The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate a standardized method of screening for platelet signalling defects in patients with constitutional disorders of platelet function of unknown origin. We hypothesize that such defects are under-diagnosed in patients, due to heavy workup and requirement of relatively large blood sample by conventional biochemical methods. We propose to analyse kinase signalling downstream platelet membrane receptors using multiplex flow cytometry quantification and fluorescent platelet barcoding.

Multicentre Evaluation of a New Laboratory Approach for the Diagnosis of Constitutional Functional Disorders of Platelets

Further study details as provided by University Hospital, Toulouse:

Primary Outcome Measures:

standardise the method between clinical laboratories [ Time Frame: 3 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

This is a pilot study of a new approach of screening platelet signalling pathways disorders by flow cytometry with methodological primary outcomes (12) as follows: 1)to standardise the method between clinical laboratories, 2)to establish reference values of the method and 3)to design a quality control assessment

The primary endpoint will focus on the overall variability of reference values ​​observed in subjects without thrombopathy for each marker after agonist stimulation and corresponding search of an effect if a center-center effect is observed on the reference values its origin will be sought (deviation from the protocol, reagent lot .....) and corrected. The "center effect" will also be analyzed by the quarterly quality control, which will compare the results obtained from the same wafer tests analyzed simultaneously in three sites.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

To describe the signalling pathways in platelet disorders [ Time Frame: 3 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To describe the signalling pathways in platelet disorders with definite diagnosis To screen putative defects in bleeding patients with disorders of platelet function of unknown origin To identify more deeply the defects found in these groups.

Several markers will be analyzed, corresponding to routes or levels of different signaling. For each of these markers, the test will evaluate quantitatively the phosphorylation activity of the protein tested. We can thus determine for each subject and each marker, the response to the test defined by:

The percentage increase in the signal (relative to the rest) after stimulation with a receptor agonist,

The percentage increase in the signal (relative to the rest) in the presence of the agonist to the associated receptor antagonist.

T1 and T2: one blood punction of 2X 4,5 ml with signalisation test (T1 for each arm, T2 at +6 months only if an anomaly at signalysation test is detected)

signalisation test is made by flow cytometry

Stage 1: for arm "bleeding disorder" : flow cytometry analysis to establish reference values ​​observed in subjects without thrombopathy for each marker after agonist stimulation and corresponding search of an effect if a center-center effect is observed on the reference values its origin will be sought and corrected.

Stage 2: for the two others arms: Several markers will be analyzed, corresponding to routes or levels of different signaling. For each of these markers, the test will evaluate quantitatively the phosphorylation activity of the protein tested.

T1 and T2: one blood punction of 2X 4,5 ml with signalisation test (T1 for each arm, T2 at +6 months only if an anomaly at signalysation test is detected)

signalisation test is made by flow cytometry

Stage 1: for arm "bleeding disorder" : flow cytometry analysis to establish reference values ​​observed in subjects without thrombopathy for each marker after agonist stimulation and corresponding search of an effect if a center-center effect is observed on the reference values its origin will be sought and corrected.

Stage 2: for the two others arms: Several markers will be analyzed, corresponding to routes or levels of different signaling. For each of these markers, the test will evaluate quantitatively the phosphorylation activity of the protein tested.

T1 and T2: one blood punction of 2X 4,5 ml with signalisation test (T1 for each arm, T2 at +6 months only if an anomaly at signalysation test is detected)

signalisation test is made by flow cytometry

Stage 1: for arm "bleeding disorder" : flow cytometry analysis to establish reference values ​​observed in subjects without thrombopathy for each marker after agonist stimulation and corresponding search of an effect if a center-center effect is observed on the reference values its origin will be sought and corrected.

Stage 2: for the two others arms: Several markers will be analyzed, corresponding to routes or levels of different signaling. For each of these markers, the test will evaluate quantitatively the phosphorylation activity of the protein tested.

Detailed Description:

Little is known of the molecular basis of disorders of signalling pathways potentially responsible of constitutional defects of platelet functions (adhesion, aggregation or secretion) (1-5). Indeed, in routine practice, this investigation is limited by the complexity of the analyse using biochemical methods (western blotting), and the requirement of large amount of platelets.

We have designed a new approach for the quantification of platelet cytoplasmic phosphoproteins by flow cytometry. Fresh platelets in platelet rich plasma are analysed at baseline or after stimulation by major agonists (ADP, TRAP, thromboxane analogue, or collagen-related peptide), with and without relevant inhibitors of each pathway. Multiplex barcoding is used to identify each condition, allowing a high throughput analysis (6, 7). Platelet signalling profiling of Akt, Slp76, P38 MAPK and LIMK can be obtained from a blood sample of less than 10 ml, and within 6h The main objective of the study is to standardize the method between clinical laboratories with a standard expertise in flow cytometry. The study will be performed in 4 academic hospitals members of the French reference network of rare platelet diseases. Three groups of patients referred for mild or severe bleeding disorders will be included: 1) a control group of patients (30 per centre) with a bleeding disorder definitely other than of platelet origin (e.g. "low" von Willebrand); 2) a group of 10 patients per centre with definite constitutional platelet disorder (e.g. Glanzmann thrombasthenia) and 3) a group of 10 patients per centre with a defect of platelet function of unknown origin, potentially defective in signalling pathway.

The control group will serve to standardize the method between centres and to establish the reference values. A quality control will be set up by using frozen platelet preparations. The patients with definite platelet disorder will be useful for detecting potential signalling defects still not described in these pathologies. Platelet signalling defects which could be evidenced in these groups will be further identified by conventional biochemical and molecular methods after confirmation on a new sample.

If this new approach can be proposed to clinical laboratories working on rare platelet diseases, we expect an advance in our knowledge in the field. In addition the method has a potential in pharmaceutical innovation, for identifying (8) or monitoring new antiplatelet agents (9, 10), or identifying platelet defects induced by new "target therapies" designed for other diseases such as cancer or immune pathologies (10).

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

patient consulting for hemorrhagic symptomatology with

with a bleeding disorder definitely other than of platelet origin (e.g. "low" von Willebrand);

or constitutional platelet disorder (e.g. Glanzmann thrombasthenia)

or with a defect of platelet function of unknown origin, potentially defective in signalling pathway.

Informed consent form

patient with social security insurance or equivalent

Exclusion Criteria:

treatment interfering with platelets function within 7 days prior to enrollment

age<18 years

thrombocytopenia <100G/L

pregnant or lactating females

subjects under juridical protection guardianship or tutelage measure

subjects involved in another clinical trial

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01957345